Bleach: Gazing Mirage

As they walked back to the academy Kira asked, “So that kido spell you used at the end, what was it?”

 

“Oh that,  it was a failed spell that Niko made when she was working on a project with Yuichi a while back. Apparently, they went through quite a few failures until they succeeded. I hang out with Niko whenever I get a chance and she told me about it.” explained Mei

 

“Hmm, could you teach me the incantation?” asked Kira

 

“I don’t mind but I wouldn’t think you’d be interested in such a spell.” answered Mei

 

“Why not? With ‘such a spell’ I tasted defeat for the first time in my life. So… I need to learn from this and improve.” responded Kira

 

“Okay I’ll write it out and give it to you tomorrow.” said Mei

 

Mei nodded and they walked back in silence until they reached the dorm and split up returning to their respective dorm room. Kira cast the sound-blocking kido she received from Yuichi when she entered her dorm.

 

As Kira stood in her room she touched her neck where Mei’s blade had been and laughed. “Ah, that was interesting so Mei is stronger than I thought. In terms of strength and reiatsu I surpass her, but not by much. She was also smart enough to only use the one technique I’ve seen her do. I wasn’t able to learn much but at least I verified that two reiatsu were in the area besides us. Captain Yoruichi really doesn’t slack on surveillance. Making any move now besides what I’m told to do would be dangerous, so I guess I’ll just play my part for now.”

 

Back at Yoruichi’s mansion, Yuichi slammed into the floor of the dojo as Yūshirō stepped back and reaped, “Again, take your stance.”

 

Yūshirō continued with Yuichi's training, emphasizing the art of Shunpo – the technique of high-speed movement that was essential for a soul reaper's combat skills. However, Yūshirō was careful not to overwhelm Yuichi. He moved at a speed just fast enough for Yuichi to barely perceive him, allowing the young soul reaper to gradually get used to the concept of perceiving high-speed movements more slowly.

 

Their training session was rigorous but calculated. Yūshirō refrained from hitting Yuichi too hard, ensuring that he didn't injure his trainee, but he delivered enough force to challenge Yuichi and force him to improve. Yuichi's body ached with the effort, and sweat poured down his face, but he was determined to rise to the challenge.

 

As they continued their training, Yūshirō offered guidance and advice between each exercise. "Focus, Yuichi. Your perception of speed is crucial in battles. You must learn to predict your opponent's movements and react swiftly. It's not just about being fast; it's about being precise and efficient."

 

Yuichi nodded, his concentration unwavering. He could feel himself gradually adapting to the speed at which Yūshirō moved. It was a slow and grueling process, but he could sense progress with each passing moment.

 

Minutes turned into hours and hours into days. Yuichi's training sessions with Yūshirō became a daily routine. The dojo was a battleground where speed and precision clashed, and Yuichi was beaten black and blue every day and then healed only to continue with the training.

 

Yūshirō looked down at Yuichi who was on the ground breathing heavily. “Good, you learned to somewhat perceive movement at high-speeds, but your reishi control is quite poor. Remember the secret to shunpo is not only using reishi to strengthen the muscles in your leg but you've got to constantly keep circulating reishi in your feet simultaneously.”

 

Yuichi, lying on the dojo floor, absorbed Yūshirō's words. He had been pushing himself relentlessly in his quest to master shunpo these past three days, and it was evident that there was still much to learn. His body ached, and his muscles screamed in protest, but he pulled himself off the ground.

 

"Thank you, Yūshirō," Yuichi said. "I won't give up. I'll keep working on my reishi control and mastering shunpo. I know I have a long way to go, but I won’t stop until I get it."

 

Yūshirō offered a small smile in response. "That's the spirit, Yuichi. Remember, progress takes time, and dedication is the key to mastering any skill. We'll continue your training for today, and tomorrow you’ll rest before returning to the dorms. I’ve beaten the basics into you so just repeat what you’ve learned here, and one day, you'll move with the grace and speed of a true master of shunpo."

 

Yuichi and Yūshirō resumed their training. The dojo echoed with the sounds of their movements and impacts, marking another day of relentless effort.

 

 As the tension within the Seireitei continued to rise, Captain Yoruichi and Captain Urahara worked diligently behind the scenes, gathering information and making strategic moves in hopes of preventing an outbreak of a potential war while still preparing for it. The Tsunayashiro Clan's actions and their alliance with the Ankoku Clan remained a cause for concern, and the Shihōin clan was determined to stop any conflict before it could spiral out of control. The Kuchiki clan were also making moves secretly, but with all these major powers moving, of course, many individuals would notice.

 

“Lord Aizen, it’s as you thought, three of the five Noble Families look to be preparing for war. Should I investigate further?” asked Kaname Tōsen

 

“No, Kaname there is no need. If Urahara and Yoruichi are handling the situation, then everything will turn out just fine.” said Aizen

 

“Really, are you sure they can handle it? If they can’t, things will be harder for us too.” said Gin

 

“Relax Gin, I don’t normally trust the ability of others, but Urahara Keiske is one of the rare few. Besides, this works in our favor more so than you think. We needed to find a way into Urahara’s lab to confirm my suspicions, and this makes for a perfect distraction. In fact, it might be best to fan the flames a little.” said Aizen with a gentle smile